Holland Public Schools

We are excited to announce the hiring of Coach Rory Vale as the next Head Coach of Holland Baseball! Raised in Holland, near 25th and Lincoln, Coach Rory Vale is a proud product of the community. He attended Longfellow Elementary, East Middle School, and graduated from West Ottawa High School (Class of ’08) before earning his B.S. from Central Michigan University (’11) and MPA from Indiana University (’13). Coach Vale has spent the past 14 years in coaching, including eight at the high school level, with the last two seasons leading the West Ottawa JV team to a combined 43–13–2 record. His coaching journey began immediately after his own playing career came to an abrupt end—an experience that shaped his approach and perspective on the game. Throughout his career, he has coached teams from 12U to Varsity, connecting with nearly every age group in between. His philosophy centers on building culture and developing great people first, believing that every baseball player—even those who go pro—will live far more life outside the game than within it. Coach Vale focuses on his players as individuals: “Coach them hard, but care even harder.” Off the field, Coach Vale has built a successful professional career that has taken him across the country. He was a Founder of Teach For America Idaho, midway through 7 years in nonprofit and government, and has spent the past five years in consulting. He currently serves as a Senior Consulting Manager at MGO, LLP. Statement from Coach Vale: "Words cannot express our gratitude, appreciation, and excitement for this opportunity! Opportunities like this are rare—a sleeping giant in a true baseball hotbed, backed by an incredible community and a brand new facility on the way. The Southside is ready for a baseball resurgence, and we cannot wait to be part of that energy and momentum. All the ingredients for success are here, and with strong partners like Holland Little League, Holland Parks & Recreation, and Holland Baseball Academy, we’re eager to build a thriving baseball ecosystem together. I want to personally thank the search committee and the entire community for their faith and trust. Let’s get to work. Let’s build something, Southside!"